Tappara has also developed many professional players including NHLers Teppo Numminen, Ville Nieminen and Jarmo Kekalainen who played for the Ottawa Senators in 1993-1994. The Tappara AAA, made up of 1994 birth year players, was in Canada for a tournament in Toronto and a series of exhibition games in Ottawa. The Cobras had a chance to play them just before they left Canada to return home.
The game was preceded by the singing of both national anthems by Cobra player Mathew McMaster, then an opening faceoff by Frank Pronovost, president of the Cobras, M. Daniel Lafleur, Casselman Village Deputy Mayor and Raymond Lavergne, Coach of the Casselman Vikings Jr. B.
The Casselman Arena was full with many students from Casselman High School as well as many local Casselman residents in attendance. They were treated to an exciting game of hockey. The Finnish team was very skilled, excellent skaters and very good at moving the puck. The Cobras played their hardworking, gritty style and had the Fins on their heels for much of the opening period. Charlie McKeown of the Cobras scored first, but Finland countered and the game was tied 1-1 going into the third period. Tanner Giroux scored to put the Cobras up 2-1. At the 10 minute mark Finland scored on a powerplay, and then added two more goals near the end of the game to win 4-2. Though disappointed to lose the Cobras all agreed that it was a very good game and great fun.
Carole McMaster and Lucie Racine did a wonderful job of organizing the day and making it into a true event. They coordinated the activities of many other parent volunteers to make the day so special for both teams.
The Cobras would also like to thank M. Gilles Laplante, M. Raymond Lavergne and M. Denis Champagne of the Casselman Vikings Jr. B for so willingly providing the Jr. B's sound team to our game. It gave the international game a very professional and fun feel!!
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